Hip Harp

Considered the most accomplished modern jazz harpist, Dorothy Ashby (1932- 1986) established the harp as an improvising jazz instrument, beyond earlier use as a novelty or background orchestral instrument. She proved the harp could play bebop as adeptly as the instruments commonly associated with jazz. Presented here are two of Ashby’s best albums, Hip Harp (Prestige LP7140) and In a Minor Groove (New Jazz LP8209), both presenting her in a quartet format backed by Frank Wess on flute, Herman Wright on bass, and Art Taylor or Roy Haynes on drums.

Personnel: Dorothy Ashby - harp; Frank Wess -flute; Herman Wright - bass; Art Taylor- drums; Roy Haynes- drums. Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder & produced by Bob Weinstock, New Jersey, 1958.

Tracks: Pawkey / Moonlight In Vermont / Back Talk / Dancing In The Dark / Charmaine / Jollity / There’s A Small Hotel / Rascality / You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To / It’s A Minor Thing / Yesterdays / Bohemia After Dark / Taboo / Autumn In Rome / Alone Together